The eruption continue at Pavlof Volcano 60 km (37 mi) northeast of Cold Bay near the tip of the Alaska Peninsula. The increase in the level of eruptive activity that began yesterday afternoon continues at present. Clouds continue to obscure the volcano. Satellite imagery in the past 24 hours has not detected any significant ash plume which is consistent with intermittent, low-level Strombolian activity. AVO continues to monitor the volcano closely and will issue further Updates when the situation warrants.

Pavlof Volcano, perhaps the most active volcano in the

Aleutian volcanic arc, has a history of 3-8 year-long

periods of repose between eruptions. A new eruption is

then marked by an initial strong explosive event that can

send an ash plume to over 10 km (33,000 feet) above sea

level. The eruptive phase then changes to sporadic

Strombolian eruption of lava spatter and small amounts of

ash; this part of the eruption typically consists of

rhythmic ejection of incandescent bombs and ash to heights

of 200-300 m above the cone. Spatter-fed lava flows

emanate from the summit vent on occasion.

The nearest towns to the volcano are Cold Bay (37 mi),

King Cove (30 mi), Sand Point (60 mi), and Nelson Lagoon

(50 mi); these towns could expect light ash fall depending

on wind direction and continuing eruptive activity.

Mudflows and some flooding could be expected in the

Cathedral River valley north of the volcano. Airborne ash

hazards to aircraft may be considerable if a large

explosive event occurs but much less severe during a

typical Strombolian phase.

AVO has a seismic network of six stations near the volcano.

VOLCANO ALERT LEVELS

NORMALVolcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

ADVISORYVolcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

WATCHVolcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.

WARNINGHazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.

AVIATION COLOR CODES

GREENVolcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

YELLOWVolcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

ORANGEVolcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway with no or minor volcanic-ash emissions [ash-plume height specified, if possible].

REDEruption is imminent with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere likely OR eruption is underway or suspected with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere [ash-plume height specified, if possible].